Should you wash your winter coat? The short answer is yes – and probably more often than you think. Many people put off cleaning bulky outerwear because it feels like such a chore. Winter coats, especially puffer jackets and down coats, are heavy, awkward to wash, and often come with specialist care instructions. But skipping this step can leave them stained, smelly, and less effective at keeping you warm.
Our news and features director, Sarah Maber, learned this the hard way. “I washed my puffer jacket the other day, and even though I carefully followed the care label, the filling was left feeling clumpy and heavy once it dried.”
This clumping issue is common when washing puffer jackets at home. But don’t let that stop you – coats collect sweat, oils, food stains, and everyday dirt, so they should be washed at least once or twice per winter season. The good news? With the right technique, you can clean a puffer jacket without ruining it – and restore that “just-bought” fluffiness.
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Why does a puffer jacket feel different after washing?
Even if you stick to the instructions, down or synthetic filling can clump together as it dries. Air drying makes this worse because the filling tends to settle at the bottom of each panel, leaving the jacket heavy and uneven. The result is a coat that’s no longer insulating or comfortable. This is the same issue people run into when washing duvets or feather pillows.
How to wash a puffer jacket
- Check the care label – Most puffer jackets can go in the washing machine, usually at 30°C on a gentle cycle with reduced spin speed. Take note of drying instructions too.
- Prep the jacket – Empty pockets, zip it up, turn it inside out, and remove any detachable hood or faux fur trim. Wash the hood separately by hand if it has delicate linings or use a mesh laundry bag.
- Use the right detergent – For down jackets, use a specialist cleaner like Nikwax Down Wash Direct. For synthetics, use a small amount of non-bio detergent (about a third of your normal dose). Avoid fabric conditioner, which can damage insulation.
Fiordaliso//Getty Images - Rinse thoroughly – Add an extra rinse cycle to prevent detergent residue, which can weigh down the filling. Never wring or twist the jacket – run an extra spin instead.
- Drying – Tumble drying is the best method to restore fluff. Use low heat and toss in a few wool dryer balls to help separate the filling. Check and shake the jacket every 20–30 minutes. Down coats may need several cycles, while synthetic ones usually dry faster.
- Air dry to finish – Once tumble drying is complete, hang the jacket in a ventilated space until fully dry, shaking and fluffing regularly. If air drying from wet, lay it flat on a drying rack and keep redistributing the filling every few hours. Expect this to take a couple of days.
Puffer jacket cleaning kit
Should you dry clean a puffer jacket?
Avoid taking puffer jackets to a standard dry cleaner. The chemicals can damage down filling and reduce the coat’s lifespan. If needed, seek out a specialist outdoor gear cleaner, such as Grangers Down Care Service.
How to re-puff a puffer jacket
If your jacket looks flat or clumpy after drying, don’t panic. Try:
- Putting it in the tumble dryer on a no-heat or delicate setting with dryer balls.
- Shaking and patting the panels to separate clumps.
- Running an additional rinse and dry if detergent residue is the culprit.
- Using a launderette’s larger tumble dryer if you don’t own one at home.
With patience and proper care, your puffer jacket will feel warm, lightweight, and fluffy again.
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